(AmmoLand.com) For 2015 the Winchester Repeating Arms SX3 Long Beard Turkey model will be available in the new Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camo pattern. Available in 12 gauge 3 ½”, the new SX3 Long Beard Turkey autoloading shotgun features a pistol grip stock and comes with a Briley Invector-Plus Long Beard extra full extended choke tube.

The SX3 Long Beard features a synthetic stock with textured gripping surfaces. The back-bored barrel and Invector-Plus Choke Tube system delivers a consistent and reliable shot pattern. The 24” barrel is easy to swing in tight brush.

The proven Active Valve gas system cycles a wide range of loads. Quadra-Vent Ports vent excess gasses for cleaner operation. The SX3 Long Beard also features an Inflex Technology recoil pad to help reduce felt recoil. For long-term reliability, the SX3 has a hard chrome-plated chamber and bore that are resistant to wear and corrosion.

The SX3 Long Beard comes with a TRUGLO® fiber-optic front sight with adjustable rear sight. To easily mount your favorite optic, the SX3 Long Beard comes with a Weaver style cantilever rail design. Three interchangeable comb inserts and three recoil pad options let you fine-tune the shotgun’s fit.

The Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum is a six-round, small frame, double-action revolver with a 4.2 inch barrel and adjustable sights.

Built from stainless steel, this new model features a light-gathering front sight, windage and elevation adjustable rear sight, and a rubber grip with checkered hardwood inserts.

“The SP101 has a reputation for being a very strong and reliable revolver and combining it with the powerful .327 Federal Magnum cartridge creates a perfect “kit gun” package,” said Chris Killoy, Ruger President and Chief Operating Officer.

“The compact size of the SP101 makes it the ideal companion while in the woods or afield, and the longer barrel helps the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge reach its velocity potential,” he concluded.

The 29.5-ounce, SP101 can be fired in either a double-action or single-action mode, and includes Ruger’s triple locking cylinder that locks the cylinder from the front, rear and bottom for reliability and durability. The rubber grip assures positive control while reducing recoil, and the Ruger transfer bar mechanism provides a measure of security against accidental discharge.

About Sturm Ruger
Sturm, Ruger was founded in 1949 and is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market. Sturm, Ruger is headquartered in Southport, CT, with manufacturing facilities located in Newport, NH and Prescott, AZ. Visit: www.ruger.com

USA - -(Ammoland.com)- John Browning’s incredible Model 1911 pistol has been in service for 104 years.

Originally built for the US Army in the years before the First World War, it has served as a sidearm with the armed forces of as many as 70 different countries.

By our estimate, at least 50 different companies from Colt, Ruger, Springfield Armory, Remington and Sig Sauer to custom gunsmiths such as Wilson Combat, Nighthawk and Ed Brown produce at least one version of this classic design.

Wilson Combat’s CQB is a custom built 1911-A1. Every part on Wilson’s CQB is hand fitted by Wilson’s gunsmiths and the pistol ships with not only and break down manual but an excruciatingly detailed build sheet that lists the name of each smith who so much as touched the pistol along with a complete breakdown of all the work they performed on the pistol.

This ensures that all of Wilson’s exacting specifications are not only met, but are documented so that should the CQB be used in a self-defense shooting, the shooter can prove that the pistol was built in that manner at the factory.

Our CQB is a standard “Government Model” with a 5″ match grade barrel coated in Wilson’s Armor-Tuff coating. This finish protects the external parts from the elements and acts as a form of solid lubricant because it contains molybdenum disulfide.

The author has had extensive experience with this formula in coating bullets and can attest to its superb characteristics of countering friction between metal parts. It is likewise highly resistant to solvents, various acids and exceeds DoD (Department of Defense) standards with regard to immersion in jet fuel, salt water, trichloroethylene and can withstand temperatures from -250 degrees to 500 degrees.

When it came to sights, we opted for the fully adjustable target version with tritium inserts over the fixed variant. We went with Wilson’s “bulletproof” ambidextrous safety ( goo.gl/8qZTIH ) , which is the best ambi-safety we have seen in over 25 years of playing with 1911s.

The front strap features 30 lines per inch checkering and the grips are hardwood with double diamond checkering and Wilson Combat medallions. These two features simply make the CQB melt in the hand for a secure hold. Wilson offers other grips in various materials such as G-10, but the feel of hardwood stocks always seems just right on a 1911.

The trigger breaks at a crisp 3 pounds and coupled with the naturally short reset makes for one of the fastest shooting and most accurate pistols you can wrap your hands around.

Wilson offers numerous options with this pistol including lighter weight frames, rails on the dust cover, magazine funnels and a host of other choices.

Instead of a throwaway cardboard or plastic box the pistol ships in a Wilson soft case with a barrel bushing wrench, cleaning kit and the company’s proprietary magazines.

An MSRP at close to $3000 may come as a shock to those new to the world of custom 1911s, but Bill Wilson guarantees a 1” group at 25 yards and the CQB fully delivers on that promise.

If you only want one as an accurate shooter that squeezes every last ounce of accuracy out of the old slab sided 45, look no further than a Wilson Combat CQB.

Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

New Bern, N.C.(Ammoland.com)– Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM), public relations and marketing communications for the law enforcement, tactical, military, shooting sports, boating and recreational fishing markets, is pleased to introduce its latest addition to the LBM Blogger, the Social Media Reload. The Social Media Reload will be LBM’s attempt to keep the Shooting Sports Industry up-to-date with the unpredictable and sometimes strange world of social media. The latest industry related social media news, memes, trends, viral videos and Internet sensations will be featured.

The social media related news found in the Social Media Reload will feature the hottest industry related trends regardless if the company responsible for the trend is a current LBM client or not.

“When you spend as much time as I do on social media throughout the week, you see articles, photos and videos being shared and discussed by both brands and personalities in the industry, as well as what’s trending, what’s viral and what’s current. The Social Media Reload curates this interesting, entertaining, and controversial content into a quick list with fire power,” said Joe Kriz, LBM social media coordinator.

With offices in downtown New Bern, NC and Grasonville, MD, LBM is a full-service public relations, marketing communications, social/digital marketing, content, event planning and advertising agency, with an emphasis on the outdoor lifestyle. LBM’s clients are rooted in the tactical and outdoors lifestyle industries of law enforcement, military, shooting sports, hunting, boating and recreational fishing markets. For more information, please visit www.lauraburgess.com.

The high quality Chiappa Mfour carbine is almost identical to the 5.56/.223 carbine and an ideal serious practice platform for the larger caliber carbine. Sure, in these days of nearly everyone having at least 5,000 rounds of .22 LR ammunition ratted away and seeking more it serves to dry up the market for many.

Regardless of the short supply, a box of fifty rounds of .22 LR is still a lot less money to shoot than twenty rounds of 5.56 or .223 and probably more fun too boot. The accurate military lookalike Chiappa Mfour carbine is a serious platform to keep skills up for transition to its larger caliber center cousins. The Chiappa Mfour is a bunch of fun to shoot and for many it also serves as a serious survival gun. Chiappa’s Mfour comes with a dual-aperture adjustable iron sight detachable carry handle and picatinny flat top for optics.

High-quality precision made .22 LRs regardless of brand or type are as expensive (many times more) to manufacture as their larger caliber brothers-but what you get is a quality firearm that will deliver reliability and accuracy.

Duluth, Ga. (Ammoland.com) – Bergara USA, a division of Blackpowder Products, Inc. (BPI Outdoors), announces the expansion of their rifle making capabilities to include new production rifles for sport shooters and hunters with its Performance Series B-14 Timber and B-14 Hunter rifles.

Bergara USA now offers many of the same quality features and performance characteristics well known in their custom guns in its two Performance Series production rifles: the B-14 Timber and the B-14 Hunter. Both rifles feature the Bergara PERFORMANCE action with a coned bolt nose and breech ensuring consistently smooth feeding and a sliding plate extractor for proper alignment.

The Bergara 4140CrMo steel barrel is finished in matte blue and is available in 22-inches (Short Action) and 24-inches (Long Action). The B-14 Timber rifle is built on a classic style, oil-finished walnut stock with a checkered pistol grip and forend. The B-14 Hunter rifle is built on a rugged Sporter-style lightweight synthetic stock. Both the wood and synthetic stocks are bedded with integral pillars for stability and enhanced accuracy.

Bergara Barrels, OEM supplier to several of the world’s top rifle manufacturers, incorporates a proprietary rifling by which Bergara’s custom rifles have become widely respected by big game hunters, law enforcement and long-range shooting enthusiasts. Now, the same accuracy boasting Bergara barrels are available to American hunters and sport shooters in the Bergara Performance Series rifles at an affordable price.

Bergara USA, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, combines the world-class rifle barrels manufactured in Bergara, Spain with U.S. high-tech design and functionality in high demand by hunters, target shooters and professionals for the American market. www.bergarausa.com

USA - -(Ammoland.com)- The Smith & Wesson M&P (Military & Police) handgun is the company’s latest offering in the way of a semiautomatic pistol.

The series represents 20+ years of research and development beginning with their original Sigma line of striker-fired, polymer-framed handguns.

The name hearkens back to the company’s early 20th Century offering known as the M&P revolver and is making tremendous headway through numerous police agencies as well as with the American civilian shooting public.

The Good

Holding a Smith & Wesson M&P in the hand reveals its superb ergonomics. The M&P pistol uses a system of interchangeable back straps based on the earlier S&W 99 that Smith developed as a joint venture with European gun maker, Walther, based in large part on Smith & Wesson’s comprehensive and elaborate research on the human hand when it developed its earlier Sigma series.

As mentioned previous, the Smith & Wesson M&P is a striker fired pistol and is constructed of a polymer frame with an internal chassis, slide and barrel constructed from stainless steel with a black Melonite coating. This makes for a pistol that is virtually impervious to the elements or perspiration when carried close to the body.

An optional magazine safety is available on most models, as is a frame mounted thumb safety which prevents the trigger from moving rearward. This unique feature allows racking of the slide while the safety is engaged.

The frame incorporates a rail with four slots to allow the mounting of lights, lasers and other accessories.

The three dot sights are big and distinct and mounted via front and rear dovetails. Removal of the rear sight involves the loosening of a set screw.

Internally this rim fire version, known as the M&P 22, is closer in operation to the Walther P22 pistol.

In 2013, Smith & Wesson released the CORE (Competition Optic Ready Equipment) series that allows the end-user to install a slide mountable reflex sight such as the Trijicon RMR or Burris Fast fire by removing a plate on the top end of the slide.

The entire series has been so successful that the M&P designation has cascaded to the compact single stack S&W M&P Shield series of pistols (which look outwardly the same as the compact but are substantially thinner for concealed carry) and the even smaller Bodyguard model chambered in 380 ACP. The Bodyguard 380 model, however, just has the external cocking serrations similar to the M&P series.

The Bad

As well made as the Smith & Wesson M&P is, the factory trigger is severely lacking as it breaks at close to 7 pounds. To compound that weakness, most M&P’s do not have a crisp break and feel somewhat mushy in this regard. This can be rectified by a replacement trigger or a trigger job conducted by a certified M&P armorer, but in this day and age a company such as Smith & Wesson should install a proper trigger without the need for an aftermarket solution. The company made it right on the M&P Shield, it would be nice to see it on the double stack lines of pistols as well.

The other bad news is that Smith & Wesson has discontinued support for their older lines of metal framed semiautomatic pistols. In many ways, those pistols were some of Smith’s finest offerings. It is a shame to see them fade into obscurity.

The Reality

On the range the Smith & Wesson M&P is an excellent shooter, once a proper trigger is installed. Installation may not require “gunsmith fitting”, but if you wear a glove size larger than “Medium” it can be tricky to get the trigger spring into its proper place.

In shooting thousands of rounds from the author’s M&P 9mm in all weather conditions and numerous ammunition types, we have never had a failure or stoppage of any sort. The M&P is easy to maintain and has proven its reliability over the course of the past year.

While there may be lamentations and the gnashing of teeth over the disappearance of Smith & Wesson’s classic line of Third Generation Semiautomatic pistols, the company seems to have a winner with this new design that takes its name from the glory days of S&W.

The Smith and Wesson M and P 9mm Handgun with Accessories

About Mike Searson

Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

Pahrump, NV – (Ammoland.com) 1911 manufacturer Rock Island Armory and its parent company, Armscor USA are celebrating 30 years of doing business in the United States by updating three of their flagship 1911 series titles.
Retired Series Names Updated Series Names1911 Tactical Series Rock Series2011 Tactical Series TAC Ultra SeriesMatch Series PRO Match Series

The term “Ultra” has been assigned to products that include upgrades such as G10 Grips, fiber optic front sights, skeletonized triggers, etc.

The Rock Series (formerly 1911 Tactical Series) is an evolution from the basic GI Series 1911s. The series offers over 20 Full-Size (FS), Mid-Size (MS) and Compact-Size (CS) 1911 variations in different finishes along with high capacity options. The basic upgrades include an extended beavertail, skeletonized hammer, low profile dovetailed sights and more.

The TAC Series (formerly 2011 Tactical Series) includes many of the same upgrades found in the Rock Series, with the additions of fiber optic front sight, a Picatinny tactical rail along with a full dust cover. The series includes 14 total pistols in FS, MS and CS along and high capacity and single stack models.

The Pro Match Series (formerly Match Series) includes 6 variations of gunsmith tuned 1911s made to be “competition ready” out of the box. It includes 5” and 6″ models in .45 ACP, 10mm and .40 S&W.

In addition to the naming structure, Armscor is also offering consumers online rebates with the purchase of any .22 TCM chambered 1911 pistol or rifle in 2015. To redeem rebates online and to learn more about the 30 Year Anniversary TCM Rebate program, visit www.armscor.com/30years.

About Armscor / Rock Island ArmoryArmscor and Rock Island Armory is a leading global manufacturer of ammunition and firearms, as well as one of the largest producers of 1911 pistols in the world. With an unprecedented focus on customer service and satisfaction, Armscor has become a driving force in the American and worldwide firearms industry, exporting to over 50 countries on 6 continents.

USA - -(Ammoland.com)- Do you remember the first time that you saw a Beretta 92?

It may have been while watching an action film from the 1980s such as Lethal Weapon or Die Hard or a thriller from the 1990s like Leon: The Professional.

Perhaps movies aren’t your thing and it was on active or reserve duty with the US Military over the past 30 years or on duty with a law enforcement agency.

Whenever it was, for three decades the Beretta 92 in all of its configurations was one of the most popular 9mm handguns on the market, selling between $500 and $1000 and bringing imitations from Brazil, Egypt, Turkey and Romania. Then things went south for the venerable model and today used and surplus Beretta 92s can be had for as little as $299.

Beretta 92 Pistol

When the 92 series debuted, it was a revolution in the firearms world. The pistol was double action, held 15 rounds of 9mm in the magazine and the open top slide made it look vastly different than its predecessors such as the 1911, Browning Hi-Power, CZ, Smith & Wesson semiautos, etc. In the 1980s, it was the pistol to have. Glocks were new on the scene and had taken a bad rap for their polymer frames; Sig Sauer pistols were deemed to be too expensive.

Beretta made basic changes along the way to the base model. A version came out with a more vertical grip frame known as the Vertec. The Inox models in stainless steel became available, as did an enclosed barrel model dubbed the Centurion. Double-action only models were made for customers that refused to learn anything about shooting apart from how their double-action K-frame revolver felt. The late 1990s ushered in frames with rails so we could hang lights and lasers on them.

Yet, the market grew smaller.

Other companies were offering pistols with better triggers, lighter frames, increased magazine capacity and simplified maintenance. The misguided 1994 Federal Assault Weapon Ban made people shift to larger calibers that held closer to 10 rounds than 15. When concealed carry became a reality in many states, people did not want full-sized service pistols in their holsters; they wanted something lighter. As most police departments moved on to other firearms, so did much of the civilian firearm market.

With active duty military and veterans, there were ebbs of nostalgia; yet that group seemed split into two camps: one side that loved the Beretta M9 and the other that did not.

Perhaps the biggest hit that the Beretta 92 series took was when it was announced that it would be replaced after serving US forces as a sidearm since 1985. The armchair commandos came out in full force citing that it was time to move up to a 45 ACP handgun, screaming from the mountaintops how the bigger caliber had better results.

This of course is not entirely accurate. Most of the shootings with a handgun in 45 ACP were at the hands of a Special Forces, Navy SEAL, Marine Recon or Delta Operator. The 9mm was more typically wielded by cooks, truck drivers or mortar men in a line unit. The comparison is one of apples to oranges as the typical cook, mortar man or truck driver simply does not have the same level of training as a tier one war fighter. The real output of those shooting incidents is more of shot placement. A trained shooter will simply be more accurate and hence, more deadly with a pistol than a troop who is not as well trained.

Now retired Beretta 92s are hitting the police trade-in market in droves, with the average retail price between $300 and $400. The author picked one up for a sense of nostalgia. I had been in the camp that disliked the Beretta and had not shot an M9 since the early 1990s while serving as a US Marine. Over the years I had contemplated adding one to the collection, but found better firearms at the same price.

The sight of a Model 92FS for $300 and change, made me grab one.

It was beat up and rough on the outside, but like new on the inside. We took her out to the desert to run a box of ammo through her and she was reliable and accurate. The Model 92 was made for shooting and three decades of service use mean there are a lot of spare parts and aftermarket accessories for this fine old warhorse.

It may not make the carry rotation, but would serve fine as a home defense pistol, “truck gun” or just an excellent shooter to make noise on a Saturday afternoon.

Beretta 92 Pistol

About Mike Searson

Mike Searson

Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association.

Rochester, NY -(Ammoland.com)- Officially announced by the Austrian firearm giant only today, the new Glock 43 single-stack 9mm pistol is sure to be a hit with firearm enthusiasts the world over.

Staying ahead of the curve with popular pistol production, LaserMax is poised to serve this influx of new pistol owners with its high performance CenterFire WeaponLight.

Launched at the recent SHOT Show in January, the CF-G42-LC boasts 115+ lumens of brilliant illumination, providing the tactical advantage needed for threat verification and accurate shot placement under the toughest, darkest conditions.

Constructed of durable Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN), the CenterFire WeaponLight adds little weight or bulk to the Glock 42 and 43 while still maintaining the ruggedness and reliability that has defined the LaserMax brand for over a quarter century. Advanced performance features include a solid hour of continuous run time, a disorienting strobe mode option and battery boosting 10-minute auto timeout function. Available now through LaserMax’s dealer network, the CF-G42-LC retails for $149 and is protected by a best in class 5-year warranty.

Complete information on LaserMax products is available at lasermax.com or by phone at (800) 527-3703. For the latest LaserMax news, please visit lasermax.com, or follow LaserMax on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

About LaserMax

Now in its 26th year, LaserMax is a leading innovator of premium laser systems with a growing portfolio of significant patents. Specializing in the design and manufacture of rugged and innovative firearm sighting solutions for military, law enforcement and commercial markets worldwide, the company also delivers premium laser products and optical systems for the semiconductor, aerospace, biomedical and telecommunications industries. LaserMax is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and WOSB 8(m) certified Women-Owned Small Business and was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. 500 | 5000.

The episode is airing April 2nd 2015. The Blacklist is fast becoming NBC’s #1 show and can be viewed Thursdays at 9pm Eastern.

In addition to The Blacklist exposure, the Heizer Defense PS1 “Pocket Shotgun” Pistol can be seen in the newly released movie Cymbeline. The movie is a gritty update of the Shakespeare play, starring Ethan Hawke, Ed Harris, and Milla Jovovich.

This safety recall announcement is based on reported incidents of accidental discharge upon bolt closure and chambering of a live shot shell. Weatherby advises customers to immediately cease use of affected shotguns and contact Weatherby for instructions to return them free of charge.

The shotguns will be inspected, repaired, tested, and returned as soon as possible. Customers should not attempt to diagnose or repair the shotguns themselves, but rather contact Weatherby for return instructions.

If you are in possession of one of the firearms referred to above, please contact Weatherby at:

1-805-227-2600Monday-Thursdayduring regular business hours of 6:30am – 5:00pm Pacific Time

Weatherby apologizes for any inconvenience that may be caused to customers resulting from this safety recall program, but urges owners of affected shotguns to take advantage of this free repair program. Please note no other Weatherby shotguns are affected by this safety recall.

The promotion celebrates the three-year anniversary of the innovative XD-S Series of ultra-thin, single stack, polymer pistols designed for concealed carry. In addition to the giveaways and special events, visitors to the website can read reviews of the XD-S series from leading industry writers and watch videos of the pistols in action.

Visitors to the Springfield Armory online store can purchase the new XD-S Mid-Mag in 9mm or .45ACP for $10 off along with free shipping from March 20–23.

“This promotion kicks off on the first day of spring”, said Rob Leatham of Team Springfield. “As people break out their summer clothes, the timing is right to remind them of how perfect this pistol is for spring and summer carry thanks to its incredibly flat and thin design.”

About the Springfield Armory XD-S Series:
Originally introduced in 2012, the XD-S series is the first and only single-stack XD from Springfield Armory. In addition to the inherently slim nature of the design, the frame is a short sub-compact style with the barrel measuring just 3.3 or 4.0 inches. The pistols are available in 9mm and .45ACP variants.

SMYRNA, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Today GLOCK, Inc. announced the release of the new GLOCK single stack slimline 9mm pistol, the GLOCK 43.

The G43 is the most highly desired and anticipated pistol release in GLOCKs history. Designed to be the answer to everyday concealed carry needs, the G43 is ultra-concealable, accurate, and comfortable for all shooters, regardless of hand size.

“The G43 is the most exciting product release to date because it addresses a variety of issues that many shooters face with pistols in the concealed carry category,” stated GLOCK, Inc., VP Josh Dorsey. “It will be the pistol of choice for law enforcement and civilians. The G43 sets a new standard for concealed carry pistols.”

A true slimline pistol, the frame width of the G43 is just over one inch and the slide width measures only 0.87 inch. The overall length is 6.26 inches. For those who have smaller hands, the trigger distance is only 2.6 inches, making it ideal for functionality.

The single stack magazine holds 6 rounds and is the perfect concealed carry pistol for both duty and civilian use. The G43 is engineered to the same superior standards as all GLOCK pistols and the reliability instills confidence for all lifestyles.

Glock 43 Pistol

The G43 will debut at the NRA Annual Meeting, April 10-12, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn., at the GLOCK booth (#633). Shipments of the product will begin directly following the convention.

Glock 43 MagazineGlock 43 Pistol

The GLOCK Group is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK’s superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with approximately 65 percent of agencies within the United States choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the group has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit http://us.glock.com/.

Smyrna, Georgia - -(Ammoland.com)- So I have always been something of a Glockaholic. Not that I don’t love 1911’s as well but for some reason I have owned and shot more GLOCKs than other brands of firearms.

So where is Mecca for a fan of GLOCK?

It is the GLOCK factory, duh, and I wrangled myself an invitation to be one of the first media to ever get a tour of GLOCK’s U.S. Arms factory in Smyrna, GA. Pretty exciting right?

Well it is also something of a big step for GLOCK as well, since they have traditionally been very guarded (read secretive) about letting media go behind the scenes and my visit, along with two other colleagues, started off a little tense. Our first stop was the Guard Booth just outside a big metal gate that surrounds the factory.

Remember this place has a lots and lots of guns. In fact they ship on average 100,000 firearms from this facility, each month. This place would be a gold mine for some ambitious gun runners but GLOCK is serious about business and is taking no chances.

After a quick pat down, no personal side arms allowed, and a going over of the rules, like no cell phones / cameras, a few signatures on the NDA and we were in.

GLOCK Executive Vice President Dr. Michael Jacquorie

Our tour guide for the main factory floor was GLOCK Executive Vice President Dr. Michael Jacquorie, he is one of the big dogs at GLOCK and reports directly to general management in GLOCK Austria. The Dr. has a great smile and was the only employee we saw dressed in a suit.

What a suit in a factory? When you see the factory is you will understand.

DR. Jacquorie, offered us a warm greeting and seemed generally excited to have “media” sticking their nose in the factory door.

GLOCK Factory First Impressions

GLOCK Factory Overview 2015: The factory currently is running 2 shifts a day, but, based on consumer demand, could run a third or even run 247, if 100,000 guns a month for American patriots was not enough.

My first thoughts on entering the factory was “man this place is clean“, my wife would love it! No sweaty guys in overalls, no smoke and fumes, not even any really loud noises. The whole place is very organized, very orderly, very hi tech.

GLOCK Factory Floor 2015, See the orange triangular sounds baffles hanging from the ceiling. They really seemed to work well.GLOCK Slide Steel waiting to be milled into a working slide parts.

DR. Jacquorie couldn’t wait to show us the place and we jumped right in with a short detour… Yeah, he wanted us to know that the exacting quality of GLOCK products started 1000’s of miles away with a secret recipe for “GLOCK steel” that is exclusive to them and comes delivered on a newly built loading dock just outside the factory door. Actually the entire factory is brand new in the last few years and built, like every thing else GLOCK, to their exacting standards.

Speaking of quality to say that the engineers at GLOCK and a little anal-retentive would be an understatement. 25% of the work of building guns in the factory is spent checking tolerances on tools, machines, barrels, slides, parts, steel, you name it they have a standard. They even have people checking the people doing the checking in a special isolated room, just for checking things.

He also made the point to explain in detail how GLOCK keeps enough raw materials, steel and small parts, on hand to run 6-9 months. Like any smart “Prepper” they can produce 600,000 guns, give or take, for half a year. Either to meet consumer demand or to weather an unforeseen supply line interruption.

The main manufacturing floor has well defined areas based on particular manufacturing jobs with specialized Austrian built CNC machines including one for steel slides and gun barrels (yeaup, they build their own machines and the tools that make them) . Another section has polymer extruders with robotic arms, another section is for heat treating, deburring, blueing, polishing and, you guest it, more testing.

GLOCK Slides just after being milled and read for the next treatment.One of GLOCKS polymer extruders with the robotic arm at work.GLOCK Factory Tour 2015: Rows and rows of testing equipment.GLOCK Factory Tour 2015: Heat Treating EquipmentGLOCK Factory Tour 2015: Forging Equipment

On To Assembly

After all the 1000’s of individual parts are completed on the main manufacturing floor. They are transferred to the assembly building. At this point we said good bye to DR. Jacquorie and met up with our other host from GLOCK, Josh Dorsey, VP of Sales/Marketing.

Josh is a big guy, which was probably handy in his first career of twenty years as a U.S. Marine. Talking with him you pick up on his military experience in his “Marine accent” (that pace of speech, that guys making tough choices all have, when you hear it you know what I mean) as well as in his point of reference to many things. At first Josh seemed uncomfortable, and fell back on his GLOCK training. Explaining the “GLOCK Ethos” that was later obvious among all the employees, he just put a name to it. As well as highlighting the key to GLOCK’s many success. Those being the Simplicity Of Design and the intense Quality Standard of Glock product and employees. By the afternoon he was all smiles and casually relayed many funny work and family stories that we were all able to relate to over lunch.

This firearms assembly work space and shipping area is just off the same loading dock where we began the tour. The small number of employees in this room is deceptive, because they “Do Work” in this room, cranking out completed and tested guns, up to 3000 a day. Completing all the tedious ATF paper work as well as shipping them to 10,000’s of FFLs, Police and Military units across the USA,Canada and beyond.

GLOCK Assembly, Testing and Shipping OverviewBins of completed GLOCKs all awaiting final testing and packaging.GLOCK pistols final assembly room. Don’t be fooled by the low number of people here, they assembly a staggering number of guns each year.GLOCK pistols parts getting some last touches before final assembly.Stacks and stacks of brand new GLOCK Magazines, unfortunately they did not let us fill our pockets.One last check before they close the lid on your next GLOCK.Pallets of new GLOCK guns ready to ship.

New guns ready to ship, that is the final out come, but there is just one more stop on our tour.

So what is the end result of all this painstaking attention to detail over the smallest nuances of manufacturing, assembly and paperwork? Just five guys in a small office doing warranty and occasional trouble shooting or gun sight replacement. On a business that ships and average 1,200,000 guns a year!

But you could have asked any Glockaholic off the street and he would have told you that and saved you the long read.

(AmmoLand.com) Browning will expand its X-Bolt rifle line for 2015 to include the new X-Bolt Eclipse Target and Eclipse Varmint models. Both models feature a laminated gray satin finish stock that has a thumbhole grip with Monte Carlo cheek piece.

The X-Bolt Eclipse Target will be offered in 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Win. calibers. The 28″ heavy bull barrel provides excellent accuracy. The X-Bolt Eclipse Target rifle has an adjustable Feather Trigger that is factory set at 3 to 3 ½ lbs.

The X-Bolt Eclipse Varmint is ready to hunt and will be offered in popular varmint hunting calibers including 204 Ruger, 223 Rem. and 22-250 Rem. The X-Bolt Eclipse Varmint rifle features an accurate 26″ heavy bull barrel.

Over the last two decades, Bill has worked in a variety of capacities in the firearms industry, from national sales manager of a distribution house with east and west coast locations, to, most recently, as vice president of commercial sales at Sig Sauer®. During Bill’s career as a sales professional, he has demonstrated notable success by increasing sales significantly. His ongoing mission is to bring quality firearms to the commercial marketplace by assuring availability of product through distribution to local dealers who are anxious to serve the firearms enthusiasts in their area.

“Kalashnikov USA is very pleased to have Bill join our team as vice president of sales,” Thomas McCrossin, CEO of Kalashnikov USA said regarding Bill’s hiring. “Bill’s combination of experience, skill-set and reputation in our industry will fast track sales through our distribution channels. He will be instrumental in bringing to our customers the new line-up of firearms bearing a noble Russian heritage.”

“I welcome the opportunity to serve this industry by representing a line of products that through ourdistribution channels, dealers will want to sell and consumers will purchase with confidence,” Bill Silver, vice president of sales for Kalashnikov USA added.

Apache Junction, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Ruger has been making some new types of handguns and one of their newer models is the Ruger 9E Handgun.

It is a full size model capable of 18 shots loaded. The market is saturated with DA 9’S so for one to be commercially successful it has to have some features to offer the consumer. Among them is a reasonable price and reliability.

A good trigger and sights are other features that a consumer would look for. As for looks, most of them leave something to be desired but that is the least important feature one should look for.

Even an ugly gun with good features would endear itself to me rather then a pretty paperweight.

One of the Ruger 9E Pistol features are is it is light and feels good in my hand. It has the typical 3 dot white sights which enables us to pick them up rapidly and a major plus in a defensive gun.

The two-position safety is located near the back end and is awkward to release. I am not crazy about its position, as it isn’t the best place for rapid use. It is however positive and prevents the gun from going off accidentally.

The magazine release is both very positive and convenient to use rapidly. The gun will fire with the magazine removed, which is a good feature in my view. It has a lug beneath the barrel, which will enable the owner to mount a laser or flashlight.

Personally I prefer the Crimson Trace system and hopefully they will be available for this model.

Ruger 9E Handgun Magazine, Note the round counter.

The recoil spring is strong and someone with small hands or not a lot of strength may have a little difficulty chambering a round. Shooting may loosen that up. It comes with one magazine but I strongly suggest an owner buy at least two more. The magazine is usually the weak link in a semi so a couple of backups are necessary. You can see a loaded round in the chamber and if it is cocked the back of the firing pin protrudes from the back of the receiver and moves rearward when the trigger is being pulled. The trigger is an improved striker fired mechanism and is better then many others I have shot. The manual covers everything well including dis assembly and cleaning. If I am reading correctly the length of the warranty depends on where you live. Interesting but I imagine Ruger would make good on any gun they produced unless it was abused.

The retail price (MSRP $429.00) is within the means of most consumers, another attractive feature.

This young lady enjoyed shooting the Ruger 9E Handgun

As always other shooters will have an opportunity to try each gun as part of my review. Its a method I use when evaluating a gun. Everyone has different tastes so it is only fair to have shooters of both genders and different experiences to try it out.

Several shooters tried the gun and the comments were favorable. They liked the trigger and the general feel. The way the gun fits a shooter is a personal thing and any person contemplation on buying a serious gun should try various brands to see what fits them the best. Any personal defense gun should fit and be the largest that you can handle efficiently. Small guns are convenient to carry but are more difficult to shoot well. Small caliber guns may be more prone to malfunctions. The 9 isn’t my favorite caliber but with modern ammo and a high capacity magazine it will do well in a social situation. Of course it has to be 100% dependable otherwise it is a paperweight. This Ruger measures up.

Naturally, the bottom line is how does it shoot?

Sig Sauer V-Crown 9mm Ammo ran well in this gun and others.

We started out with some Wolf steel case ammo which is perfect for practice. It shot well but if you limp wristed the gun they would occasionally stovepipe. Again, that may go away after a few hundred rounds. The Sig and Double Tap ammo performed flawlessly.

However, I had some cast bullet loads and it did not like them as they frequently jammed. Since they were just some left over ammo from previous tests I wasn’t too concerned. I will make up some newer cast loads and retry them.

I was running some test with Hodgdon HS-6 so I used it for these reloads. It is a mild powder for the 9 and if velocity is your goal another powder may be your choice. I use a lot of 231 and similar powders for most of my 9 mm loading. The 130 grain bullet was made for a 38 but since it is a round nose I sized to .356 and it works well.

Like any gun it is important to see which ammo runs best especially in a defense gun. The trigger pull is decent and shouldn’t give anyone a problem unlike some other 9 mm guns I have previously tested. It has some creep and travel but it is entirely usable.

A new brand of ammo well worth checking out is the Liberty Brand. They make a 50-grain bullet that clock in the neighborhood of 2000 FPS depending on the gun. Recoil is light and in every gun I have tried it in there have been no feeding problems. They make it in several calibers and I believe that it will catch on.

LOAD BULLET VELOCITY COMMENT

7 grains HS-6 115 grain cast 1187 decent load

6.8 X HS-6 115 grain FMJ 1095 mild

Barnes 115 grain Tac TP 1053 mild

Blaser 115 gr FMJ 1132 consistent

Winchester 115 gr FMJ 1148 nice

Wolf steel case 115 gr FMJ 1105 consistent

SIG 124 gr JHP 1103 nice

6.5 grains HS-6 125 gr Berry 953 accurate

6 grains HS-6 130 gr FMJ 906 consistent

Double Tap 147 gr JHP 988.1 decent

5 grains HS-6 147 gr Berry 717 mild

Double Tap 165 gr 868 interesting

The gun has been shot several hundred times with no issues except those lead bullets, which isn’t a problem in my view. Everything else worked which would make it a good candidate for a carry gun.

Since it handles hollow points of various shapes, your social ammo shouldn’t be hard to get. As with any serious protection gun, you should try several brands of ammo to establish what you are comfortable with and what the gun likes. Other things to look for is availability of your ammo.

Handloads can be used but caution should be observed if you use them for self-defense. If you live in an area that has an anti-gun AG they may try and prosecute you for using handloads. Yes, it is ridiculous but so is every anti-gun argument but they will pursue it nonetheless.

Arizona - -(Ammoland.com)- There are at least four model 60 Marlins or variants in this photo from a gun “turn in” in Phoenix two years ago. The people turning in the rifles might well have paid less for the rifle new, than it brought at the politically correct turn-in.

I just listened to a recording of the Ferguson police shooting. It was not clear what direction the shots came from, or how far they were from the person doing the recording. But the cadence of the shots, and the information about what happened to the police give plenty to speculate on. I do not claim any inside sources from Ferguson, or any knowledge about the evidence collected there. So, here are SWAGs (Scientific, Wild, After the fact, Guesses.

First, from the nature of the wounds, given that a bullet was said to be lodged below the ear of one officer, and that both officers were released from the hospital in less than a day, it was almost certainly a .22 rimfire that was used.

This makes sense, as it is the most common cartridge in the country, even with the run on .22 long rifle cartridges for the last two years. About four billion of these cartridges are sold and used in a “normal” year. In the last couple of years that number is closer to 5-6 billion. The demand in the United States has far outstripped supply; we are importing all that can be produced overseas, and begging for more. The common .22 long rifle round has plenty of power to do the damage being talked about to a few hundred yards. Hitting a small target past 300 might be a little difficult, but from 100 to 150 yards, as is mentioned in the Ferguson shooting, it would not be a problem.

The .22 long rifle has another “fit” to the shooting. From the recording, my best SWAG is that three shots were fired. The person doing the recording turns 90 degrees in the middle of the shooting, and because of the changed direction of the mike, the middle shot seems to produce more echoes. I believe that it was three shots, and the time would be 3 seconds, start to end.

Shooting aimed shots that fast is not impossible from a good, supported position, and it is much easier if you are shooting a firearm with almost no recoil, such as a .22 rimfire rifle. Put a scope on the rifle, and relatively precise aiming at 125 yards is pretty simple. It is almost as easy to do with open sights, if you are young and your eyes are good. Hitting an 8″ target at 150 yards is well within the grasp of most people, with the most basic instruction. While recorded sounds can be tricky, the shots do not sound loud enough to be more powerful than a .22 long rifle cartridge.

These rifles and the telescopic sights for them are ubiquitous in American society. They are almost never used in crime because they are hard to conceal, and relatively low powered. All body armor will stop these rounds easily.

My guess is that one officer was targeted and hit with the first shot; the other two shots went a bit wild, one missing and the other hitting the second officer by chance. While virtually all .22 repeating rifles can be fired as fast as the shots timed in the recording, the most common .22 rifles sold are .22 semi-autos. They are the easiest repeater to manufacture and the most popular. I will even venture a prediction as to the model and manufacturer.

It was probably a Marlin Model 60 or variant. 11 million have been sold of just this one model. Many are sold with an inexpensive telescopic sight. They used to be the most popular rifle in the United States, before concern about a potential “assault weapon” ban drove AR-15 type rifle sales through the roof. They are likely one of the most common guns stolen, because there are so many of them. I do not mean to slight the Ruger 10-22, with more than 5 million sold, or the numerous Savages, Springfields, Winchesters, Remingtons, Nobels, Brownings, Smith & Wessons, or numerous other brands that have been sold over the last century while the .22 rimfire semi-auto has been popular. No one knows how many there are in existence. Up until 1968, no serial numbers were required, and for good reason. As stated, they are almost never used in crime.

A conservative estimate would be something in excess of 25 million of these semi-automatic rifles in existence, perhaps as many as 50 million. They are very popular, inexpensive, and useful. With just a little care, they last almost forever. The mild .22 LR cartridge is easy on the actions and the bore.

Marlin makes a great all around useful rifle for the price, a superb example of capitalism making excellence available to the common man. It will be sad if they receive any blame for the actions of socially irresponsible criminals.
c2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included. Link to Gun Watch

About Dean Weingarten;

Dean Weingarten has been a peace officer, a military officer, was on the University of Wisconsin Pistol Team for four years, and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1973. He taught the Arizona concealed carry course for fifteen years until the goal of constitutional carry was attained. He has degrees in meteorology and mining engineering, and recently retired from the Department of Defense after a 30 year career in Army Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation.

San Diego, CA --(Ammoland.com)- For years some police agencies, particularly in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities lead by politicians that push gun control, have forced citizens to forfeit legally owned firearms by seizing them overzealously.

Then making it practically impossible to get them back or even to sell them.

These forced firearms forfeitures are just one example of a much larger national problem of abusive property seizures and compelled asset forfeitures by the government.

Taking home seized firearms used to be an officer’s unofficial “perk.” But the raw number of firearms seized is also used to secure grant money, and has become the inappropriate yard stick promoted as the way to measure the success of crime control efforts.

It’s a game police and politicians play. Carefully spun press releases about getting guns “off the streets,” along with publicized photo-ops of guns being melted into rebar, are used to mislead the public into believing that lots of guns are being seized from gangs and violent criminals. But in reality, most guns are seized from the gun safes of harmless people who are not aware that they have become prohibited from possessing firearms by California’s complicated gun laws, or from otherwise law-abiding, clean-record gun collectors targeted with enticing “stings” to buy rare guns at cheap prices.

Police use the often accidental violations of California’s byzantine firearm regulations to justify confiscating entire gun collections and to pump up their seizure numbers. The seized collections of guns are ominously mislabeled as “arsenals,” and inappropriately condemned as the “inventory” of “arms dealers.” Surrendering the valuable gun collections to the government often becomes a heavy-handed conditional bargaining chip for a reasonable plea-bargain, effectively increasing “punishment” far beyond what is called for by law or justice.

The practice amounts to theft and extortion of the gun owner, and a fraud on the public – which is lulled into mistakenly believing that they are being made safer.

Henderson lawfully owned a collection of firearms before he was arrested, and none of the guns were used in a crime. After serving his six-month sentence, Henderson – now prohibited from possessing firearms and in need of money – asked the FBI to transfer his firearms to a third party. The FBI refused. So Henderson asked the court to order the transfer. The district court also refused. So Henderson appealed.

Taking home seized firearms used to be an officer’s unofficial “perk.”

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s decision, reasoning that allowing Henderson to transfer or sell his firearms would give him “constructive possession” of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(1), the federal “felon-in-possession” statute.

Constructive possession is a court-created legal fiction used by courts to find illegal “possession” where physical possession does not actually exist. This way police can prosecute individuals when the inference of physical possession is strong, but there is no actual physical possession of illegal property. To find constructive possession, courts must do a fact-specific analysis and examine the totality of the circumstances to determine whether there is substantial evidence that the person has “dominion and control” over the firearm. There is no constructive possession if a transfer would strip the owner of any power to exercise dominion and control over the firearms, either directly or through the recipient.

Significantly, most courts acknowledge that a finding of dominion and control must be based on more than speculation.

Nonetheless, the Henderson court inappropriately used speculation about theoretical “risk” of future dominion and control over the firearms as the basis for finding there would be constructive possession of them. The court did not articulate how a sale of the guns to an unrelated third party would actually put Henderson in constructive possession of the firearms, and there was no evidence that Henderson actually would or could exert “dominion and control” over his guns once they were transferred. Instead, the court used the mere risk of Henderson gaining such dominion and control after the transfer to find that the guns would be constructively possessed if transferred.

In effect, in Henderson the Court of Appeals confounded the right to possess with the right to own, essentially finding that these are one in the same.

But they aren’t the same. Ownership is not possession, nor constructive possession.

Other courts have found, even where there was a possible or theoretical risk that a person could possibly gain dominion and control of firearms after their transfer, that constructive possession does not exist absent evidence that the defendant knowingly and intentionally could exert dominion and control. Some courts have even specifically recognized that Section 922(g) does not prohibit the government from transferring or gifting the firearms to “friends or relatives.” And the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has similarly opined that the mere theoretical risk that a person might gain or exert dominion and control over firearms doesn’t constitute constructive possession.

So for example, the ATF says a wife can keep her guns in a home gun safe, locked away from her prohibited husband who lives with her but doesn’t have the key or combination.

Some courts have even warned of the potential for government abuse in allowing the forfeiture of property based on a theoretical future risk. These courts recognize that categorically prohibiting a person from facilitating the transfer or the sale of firearms based on speculation that the individual could constructively possess the firearms after the transfer, would “stretch the concept of ‘constructive possession’ … much too far.”Amen.

Guns Seized by New Orleans after Katrina were stored in horrible condition and many were “lost” after confiscation.

Even if theoretical “risk” or “possibility” were the correct legal standard for establishing constructive possession, any such risk could be alleviated through means much less severe than forfeiture of property to the government. Courts know that they can implement appropriate safeguards to “prevent [a felon] from constructively possessing the weapons and to ensure that they are properly sold and not otherwise misused.” And a court can condition the transfer “on the recipient’s written acknowledgement that returning the guns to [the felon] or honoring his instructions would aid and abet” a felon in the unlawful possession or attempted possession of a firearm. Other procedures could be court imposed to account for sales and disbursements, and to set deadlines.

Tellingly, in its opening brief to the Supreme Court, the government contradicts its earlier positions, and belatedly acknowledges that a person is not statutorily prohibited from transferring or selling their ownership interest in firearms simply because they have been convicted of a felony. In other words, now that it is facing critical scrutiny by the Supreme Court justices, the government is walking back its case and finally admitting, red-faced and at the 11th hour, that a person would not be in constructive possession of a firearm just because the government allowed their firearms transferred to a third party. But the government is nonetheless still clinging to the future risk theory, contradictorily arguing that the court was right to find facts supporting its reasoning that allowing Henderson to transfer his firearms to a third party “create[s] a significant risk that [he] would retain custody or control over the firearms, in violation of Section 922(g).” Again, there was no real evidence of such future risk, and even if future risk existed it could be eliminated by court imposed conditions. The government’s last minute about – face amounts to a different kind of corruption – intellectual corruption by a federal government emboldened by courts that let it get away with it.

Government abuse of asset forfeiture laws is a real problem. [For more on this see Why You May NOT Really Own Your Private Firearms Property ] And it’s not just with firearm seizures. Authorizing the transfer of someone’s firearms to an eligible third party will promote Section 922(g)’s goal of banning firearm possession by prohibited persons, while allowing property owners to recover the value of their property.

Police and prosecutors driven by politics or policy to seize and keep non-contraband property can always postulate about a theoretical risk that a prohibited individual might exert future control over transferred firearms. But absent evidence, theoretical speculation shouldn’t justify the forfeiture of someone’s valuable property, no matter what kind of property it is. At least when it comes to firearms, however, it seems like some lawyers or judges who perhaps don’t like guns generally feel that forfeiting them to the government is a desirable political end, justifying the use of unfounded theoretical future risk constructs as the means to expand the doctrine of constructive possession and thereby effectuate the politics of gun control.

Civil rights attorney Chuck Michel is a former prosecutor and head of Michel & Associates PC in Long Beach. The firm’s clients include the NRA, California Rifle & Pistol Association, firearm manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, and individual gun owners.

About: CalGunLaws.com is an online research resource designed primarily for use by attorneys and interested firearm owners. CalGunLaws.com strives to provide easy access to and facilitate understanding of the multitude of complex federal, state, and local firearm laws and ordinances, administrative and executive regulations, case law, and past and current litigation that defines the California firearms regulatory scheme in theory and practice. CalGunLaws.com is designed and organized to make it easy to research the law and to locate source materials and related information. All of the articles are cross referenced. Note the two sections on the right: Related Items and Related Law. Related Items will take you to any article related to the one you are currently viewing. Related law takes you to the related law and statutes for the item you are looking at.

Pevely, Missouri – -(Ammoland.com)- At the upcoming NRA Show in Nashville, TN, Heizer Defense is debuting the new PAK1 “Pocket AK Pistol” in 7.62×39.

Booth #3215. The pistol is the next caliber offering in the Heizer Defense Pocket Pistol Family. The Pocket Pistol Family currently consists of the PS1 “Pocket Shotgun”, chambered in 45LC/410, the PAR1 “Pocket AR”, chambered in .223, and the Hedy Jane Empowered line, geared for women.

The pistols are multi-caliber with interchangeable barrels. Accessory barrels will be shipping along with the PAK1 “Pocket AK” very soon. Consumers can purchase any Heizer Defense Pistol and now have 2 additional calibers to choose from, and additional calibers will be offered throughout 2015.

Los Osos, CA -(Ammoland.com)- Apex Tactical Specialties announced that it has been awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a “firing mechanism for a firearm” covering the company’s Forward Set Sear and Trigger products.

Covered by U.S. patent number 8,863,425, the Apex Forward Set Sear and Trigger is designed to improve Trigger Pull and reduce total trigger travel creating a more responsive trigger in a striker-fire pistol, and one reminiscent of the trigger feel in a single-action pistol.

This is the third patent Apex has received.

“Since the introduction of our Forward Set Sear and Trigger system it has been one of our most popular upgrades for the Smith & Wesson M&P series of pistols. The improvement in the trigger pull experience over a factory system is significant, and for many customers it is what defines an Apex upgrade,” explained Randy Lee, president at Apex Tactical Specialties and the designer of the Forward Set Sear and Trigger system.

Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc. was created to serve Law Enforcement personnel, competition shooters, and individuals who recognize the need for defensive tools to be more than “just adequate” for the job. We are a quality-driven and progressive organization – our product line, services, and expertise are continually evolving. Our mission is simple: superior parts, exceptional performance and craftsmanship, and above all, unparalleled customer service.

For more information on Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc. and its full line of products, please visit www.ApexTactical.com.

]]>http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/apex-receives-patent-for-forward-set-trigger-system/feed/0Midwest Gun Works Offers Tikka Parts and Accessorieshttp://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/midwest-gun-works-offers-tikka-parts-and-accessories/
http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/midwest-gun-works-offers-tikka-parts-and-accessories/#commentsWed, 11 Mar 2015 15:00:45 +0000http://www.ammoland.com/?p=197483Tikka®, an uncompromising Finnish gun maker, known for accuracy, reliability and performance is now available at MGW online.MGW Tikka MagazineMidwest Gun Works

Pevely, Mo. (Ammoland.com) – Midwest Gun Works Inc. (MGW), a one-stop shop for firearm parts, accessories and gunsmithing services, announces the Tikka® Pro Shop section at MidwestGunWorks.com. Tikka® is an uncompromising Finnish gun maker known for the reliability, accuracy and performance of its firearms. Midwest Gun Works is proud to carry Tikka® parts and accessories, including magazines, stocks, ammunition and scope mounts and rings.

MGW Tikka Magazine

Midwest Gun Works carries a variety of Tikka® magazines, including Tikka® Model 595 and 695 Extended Magazines. The magazine capacity ranges from 4-6 rounds depending on the rifle. The magazines are a great pickup for any Tikka® owner, as they extend the capacity of the rifle and allow for quick reloading. The Tikka® Model 595 and 695 Extended Magazines are available at MidwestGunWorks.com for $69.50.

MGW Tikka Scope Mounts

Midwest Gun Works also carries an assortment of Tikka® scope mounts and rings, including the Tikka® Universal Optilock Scope Mount Bases. The bases are precisely machined out of solid steel and ensure a perfect fit with the mount rails allowing for precision scope alignment. The bases come with a blued finish and can be found at MidwestGunWorks.com for $61.50.

Muzzle Brake for Tikka Rifles

Another popular product carried by Midwest Gun Works is the AAC Muzzle Brake, 7.62mm, 51T for Tikka® rifles with M18x1 threads. Nitride-coated and constructed with aerospace-grade stainless steel, this durable muzzle brake reduces recoil and helps keep Tikka® rifles on target. The Advanced Armament muzzle brake for Tikka® rifles can be found for $144.50 on MidwestGunWorks.com.

Midwest Gun Works was founded in Pevely, Missouri in 1997 by Rich Mcgehee and Jon Warden. Passionate about providing customers with the finest in gunsmithing craftsmanship, shooting accessories and both current and obsolete gun parts, MGW became the go-to provider of gunsmithing services for the likes of Cabela’s, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, Scheels, Beretta, Browning, Winchester and many more companies. www.midwestgunworks.com.

Morgan, UT --(Ammoland.com)- For 2015, Browning introduces a new Cynergy Micro Midas 20 gauge over and under shotgun.

Weighing a mere 6 lbs. and having a compact 13″ length of pull, the new Cynergy Micro Midas promises to give smaller shooters a high quality shotgun that is easier to handle.

The Cynergy features Monolock Hinge technology that gives the Cynergy the lowest profile receiver in the industry. This ingenious hinge system pivots on significantly more surface area than other over and under shotguns with low profile receivers. In addition to strength, the low profile receiver design aids in controlling recoil.

The Cynergy also includes the Reverse Striker ignition system. This is a mechanical trigger system that uses an actuator to reverse the direction of the impact force from the pin to the striker. It offers the benefits of crisper feel and lighter pull, plus greatly reduced locktime and overtravel.

To help reduce felt recoil, the Cyngery Micro Midas features a soft Inflex Technology recoil pad. Three ¼” spacers are included to adjust length of pull. The Cynergy Micro Midas will be available with 24″ or 26″ barrel lengths.

Suggested Retail: $1,869.99.

For more information on Browning products, please visit the website at www.browning.com.

Geneseo, IL --(Ammoland.com)- One of the most important aspects of firing accuracy is the trigger pull. Your ability to perfect this area of shooting will improve your performance faster than any other skill.

Consider the following tips for bettering your trigger pull technique.

Isolate the trigger finger

Your index finger is used for the express purpose of pulling the trigger.

When I am ready to shoot, I concentrate on only moving my trigger finger.

In other words, isolate the trigger finger’s movement from the rest of your hand so as to not interrupt the sight picture.

Practice dry fire

“Dry Firing” is an excellent way to practice and perfect your trigger pull away from the range. Without the recoil and noise resulting from live fire, you can observe any movement of the gun. It’s easy and convenient and saves on expensive ammo.

Though dry fire is not a replacement for live fire, I do it regularly. Without having to worry about recoil, you can focus on your grip and perfect how you pull the trigger. Regardless of whether ammo is being used, remember to always follow the firearm safety rules.

Don’t flinch

Firing a gun is loud and your body is expecting the recoil.

Due to this, many shooters develop what can be described as a “flinch”. It’s important not to anticipate and prematurely react to this sound and recoil. Doing so can cause problems with accuracy. Mentally remind yourself to stay in the same position, gripping firmly and aiming all the way “through” the firing of a shot.

Practice maintaining control of the gun at all times, not just up until the instant a round is fired.

Remember, if the gun is in your hand you are controlling it whether you are actively shooting or not.

Focus

Focus is more than just the physical act of seeing with your eyes. Shooting accurately is as mental as it is physical.

Concentrate on feeling things like the trigger pull and grip pressure. Don’t just “look at the front sight”. Focus on the target and sights along with the feel and movement of your trigger finger.

Several things happen at once to fire an accurate shot, but with practice you should become more proficient.

Once you have a basic understanding of the techniques involved, practice and discipline will be what allows you to shoot your best.

]]>http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/improve-your-trigger-pull-with-these-6-tips/feed/1American Built Arms Company Partners with Axelson Tacticalhttp://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/american-built-arms-company-partners-with-axelson-tactical/
http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/american-built-arms-company-partners-with-axelson-tactical/#commentsTue, 10 Mar 2015 15:00:35 +0000http://www.ammoland.com/?p=197234American Built Arms Company to provide high-end parts for the Axelson Tactical line of rifles

Axelson TacticalAmerican Built Arms

Glen Rock, Pa. (Ammoland.com) – American Built Arms Company, a veteran-owned, U.S. manufacturer of parts and accessories for the civilian, law enforcement and defense industries, announced it has been chosen by Axelson Tactical out of Minden, Nevada to provide high-end parts for Axelson Tactical’s newly designed AR-15 rifles.

“Axelson Tactical is one of the most exciting new manufacturers in the firearms industry. Their brand mission and purpose tell a patriotic and compelling story and A*B Arms wanted to be a part of that story,” said Jason Combs, President and Founder of American Built Arms Company. “We are looking forward to continuing a strong business and personal relationship with Axelson Tactical to help them meet the high quality standards of their rifles.”

Matthew Axelson Foundation

Combs also added that American Built Arms Company will be donating a percentage of all sales from Axelson Tactical parts and accessories to the Matthew Axelson Foundation. Matthew Axelson was a Navy Seal and one of the fallen heroes of Operation Red Wings which occurred on June 28th, 2005.

“We had reviewed a few internal AR-15 parts that were on the market. We chose A*B Arms due to their extremely serious attention to detail and the precise Swiss machining of their parts,” said Jeff Axelson, CEO of Axelson Tactical. “The people at American Built Arms Company have been great to work with. Their veteran-owned, Made in the USA business focus added to our brand’s mission. Their response time to our product questions and feedback was also a definite plus in our decision making process.”

About American Built Arms Company

American Built Arms Company is a veteran owned, small business enterprise that designs and manufactures parts and accessories for the civilian, law enforcement and defense industries. Based in Glen Rock, PA, American Built Arms Company markets and sells its A*B Arms brand of AR-15 hand guards, Picatinny rails and other high quality products through a network of dealers, distributors and OEM manufacturers. To learn more about American Built Arms Company, please contact customer service at customerservice@abarms.com or visit our web site at www.abarms.com.

About Axelson Tactical:

Axelson Tactical is based out of Minden, Nevada and manufactures high-end commercial and Tribute rifles to firearms enthusiasts. A percentage of all Axelson Tactical sales goes to The Matthew Axelson Foundation (http://matthewaxelsonfoundation.org/) and other charities they support. For more information on Axelson Tactical rifles and accessories, please visit www.axelsontactical.com.

Wilsonville, OR -(Ammoland.com)- If you are the owner of an iconic 1911, then Crimson Trace offers numerous products that could be of great interest —upgrades.

The Wilsonville, Oregon based company offers nearly 30 Lasergrips that will fit standard 1911s, plus the Bobtail and Round Heel models of the popular semi-auto pistol. For gun owners wishing to dress their beloved 1911 with wood, Crimson Trace offers Lasergrips with red lasers and numerous woods, including: rosewood, walnut, cocobolo and burlwood.

For shooters seeking durable synthetic replacement grips for their 1911s, the upgrades include G10 Gray, G10 Green/Black, Carbon Fiber and the stunning P14 Chainmail with its prominent black and white diamond pattern. All of these Crimson Trace Lasergrips power up as the user grips the firearm naturally thanks to the company’s innovative Instinctive Activation feature. No buttons to seek during darkness or special activation holsters to purchase. All Crimson Trace Lasergrips normally permit the use of the firearm owner’s current holster.

For anyone wishing to upgrade their prized 1911 with a green laser sight system, there’s the standard polymer Lasergrips—the LG-401G that’s offered with a green laser. Anyone preferring to accessorize their 1911 with a light should review the Lightguard (LTG-701) that fits over the trigger guard of the pistol.

If the 1911 pistol to be upgraded is a newer model that’s equipped with a Weaver-style or Picatinny rail, this opens more options. Those options include adding Crimson Trace’s Rail Master laser sights in red or green, and the company’s Rail Master Pro with a laser and light combo in one small, lightweight and easy to operate module. This group also includes the company’s newest laser sight, the CMR-206—an affordable, small and lightweight laser sight with a green diode. There are nearly a dozen Rail Master models, and all can be reviewed at www.crimsontrace.com.

Finally, anyone without a 1911 who wants to purchase a pre-accessorized pistol can begin their search at Kimber (www.kimberamerica.com). The company offers many 1911 pistol models with Crimson Trace laser sights pre-installed. Those pistols range from the desert tan Covert to the stunning stainless Ultra Carry TLE II.

Crimson Trace’s new campaign encourages everyone to consider: “have you done everything in your power to defend yourself and what’s yours?” The rallying words are: “In Condition Crimson, We Stand.”

Crimson Trace, the acknowledged industry leader for laser sighting systems and tactical lighting for firearms, is based in Wilsonville, Oregon. Its award-winning innovations that have been released during the past two decades include Lasergrips, Laserguard and Lightguard –all with Instinctive Activation. The company’s product line also includes the Defender Series and Rail Master platforms – all are proudly Made in the USA.

Each rifle features a solid-silver, high-relief medallion embedded in the stock. This limited edition rifle celebrates Arsenal’s Las Vegas heritage and its support for the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America has introduced more youth to the sport of shooting than almost any organization.

For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts have actively trained young shooters to respect and safely handle firearms. Arsenal recognizes that young people are the key to the future of shooting sports and the protection of our constitutional rights. As such, Arsenal supports organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, that introduce young people into the sport of shooting. In addition to being the title sponsor of the annual Las Vegas Area Council Sporting Clays event, Arsenal will donate $100 from the proceeds of every limited edition rifle sold to the Boy Scouts.

Purchase these rifles separately, or all the rifles together for a complete limited edition set! This limited run of the SAM7R rifle is now available through our dealers and retail outlets.

About Arsenal, Inc.

Arsenal, Inc. is the exclusive licensed US manufacturer of the finest, most authentic firearms for government agencies, shooting enthusiasts, and TV & film industry. Arsenal, Inc. uses the latest technology and materials in conjunction with the legendary standards of Arsenal of Bulgaria. All models made in the US and in Bulgaria are shoulder-fired, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifles and pistols built on forged then milled receivers and implement CNC technology. A wide variety of models are available in calibers 7.62x39mm, 5.56x45mm, and 5.45×39.5mm. Arsenal, Inc. also produces a line of rifles and pistols incorporating stamped receivers that offer an economically priced alternative to the traditional forged and milled construction.

We took it for a spin last week and let me summarize by saying that in addition to the outstanding ergonomic experience, this pistol boasts some great sights and a darn good trigger pull.

When it comes to subcompact pistols chambered for higher caliber rounds like .45ACP, its important to remember that how a pistol feels in your hand is more than a matter of comfort. Your grip determines how well a pistol points as well as your control over it when it pushes and lifts throughout recoil.

A good firm “grasping” of the handgun is essential but the texturing and shape of the grip will contribute greatly to a shooters control.

Excellent shape and design minimizes slippage during recoil.

The Mod.2’s GripZone is designed to minimize slippage through different levels of texturing on areas or “zones” of the grip.

It grips more where it needs to and less where it would just cause abrasion or discomfort.

Simply, the shape of the grip just fits in your hand comfortably and it can make you a more accurate shooter.

Let’s talk features

Front Sights. The Mod.2 has a fiber optic light gathering rod installed that gathers ambient light and creates a red dot that I can quickly see.

Rear Sights. The rear sight’s deep, wide notch with a white dot on each side allows for quick and accurate sight alignment. The serrated surface of both the front and rear sights insures a glare-free sight picture.

Trigger. Like all the Springfield Armory polymer pistols, The XD, XD(M) and XD-S, the Mod.2 has a great trigger pull offering a solid “wall” and “stopping point”. This feature allowed me to feel exactly where the trigger was in its movement and when it was going to fire. “Safe, consistent and predictable” are how I describe it.

Ease of use. Simple things often overlooked like the shape of the slide and indeed even the cocking serrations and relief cuts on it make the Mod.2 one of the easiest to operate compact pistols ever. The strong recoil spring ensures reliable feeding and soft recoil while extending the life of the pistol. Thanks to the shape of the slide serrations, my 84 year old mother can operate the action on this pistol. I’m pretty sure you can too.

On top of all these updated features, the Mod.2 is underneath it all, a Springfield Armory pistol.

Like the XD, XD(M) and XD-S before it, the Mod.2 is built with same quality and precision of every Springfield Armory product. Not only can you count on its performance, you will have the comfort of owning a handgun with a limited lifetime warranty, the best customer service in the business and a history of performance, durability and reliability you can bet your life on.

Who the XD Mod.2 .45ACP is for.

I see the shooter who buys the Mod.2 .45 as someone that needs a gun to be both portable and powerful. He or she knows they want a .45, but one that fits their hand well and is comfortable to shoot. They want a gun that performs above its category in regards to accuracy and speed of use without being so big that it makes discreet use troublesome.

For me, the Mod.2 .45 is that perfect combination of compactness, controllability and firepower. I get it all in one easy to shoot package. You must know that I’ve shot pretty much everything there is in regards to this category of handgun. Nothing, and I mean nothing fits me better and shoots better than the Mod.2 .45.

I know you expect to hear me say that, but it’s still true.

Do this. Go to a Springfield Armory dealer and just hold it. Maybe they’ll have a range and let you test fire one. Shoot a magazine through it and you’ll get it, you will understand my excitement.

Only you can decide what you really require. Not me, not your buddy, not the guy at the gun shop counter. Just you.

I can however tell you this, if I want a .45 AND I want it to hold 10 rounds AND I want it to be small and still maintain excellent ergonomics and control ability, the XD Mod.2 .45 would be my first choice.

North Kansas City, MO -(Ammoland.com)- TriStar Arms has expanded its flagship line of Viper G2 shotguns with the addition of the all-new Viper G2 Bronze.

Available in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge, the new Viper G2 Bronze is a reliable semi-automatic shotgun that is ideal for target shooters and upland bird hunters. The fit and finish of the Viper G2 Bronze have a classic feel, with a long-lasting Bronze Cerakote finished receiver and a stock and forearm made of high-grade Turkish walnut with cut checkering and semi-gloss finish.

The Viper G2 Bronze has a 3-inch chamber and a 5-round magazine tube. The barrel has a vent rib with matted sight plane. The Viper G2 Bronze also has a fiber optic front sight for fast and easy target acquisition. It comes with a removable choke system that uses Beretta/Benelli Mobile Threads. It includes three choke tubes (IC, M, F), choke box, and wrench. A shot plug is included with the firearm.

The 12 gauge version has a 28-inch barrel and weighs 6.8 pounds, while the 20 gauge version has a 26-inch barrel and weighs 6.2 pounds. Both models of the Viper G2 Bronze shotguns have an MSRP of $759.00 and are backed by a 5-year warranty.

TriStar Viper G2 Bronze Features:

Manual E-Z Load Magazine Cut-Off

Vent Rib w/ Matted Sight Plane

Fiber Optic Sight

5 Round Magazine- Shot Plug Included

Quick Shot Plug Removal

Chrome-lined Chamber and Barrel

High Grade Turkish Walnut

3 Beretta Style Choke Tubes (IC, M, F)

Like all TriStar shotguns, the Viper G2 Bronze was put through a 5000-round endurance test to ensure that it is a firearm TriStar customers can depend on.

About TriStar Sporting Arms

TriStar is a primary importer of quality shotguns and handguns, and offers a great selection of firearms for hunters and recreational shooters. TriStar offers a Five-Year Warranty on all TriStar shotguns.

Paso Robles, CA.- Weatherby® Inc, legendary firearms manufacturer, has an opportunity for an experienced Design Engineer to join its team in Paso Robles, California. The Design Engineer is responsible for a variety of duties in the development of new and existing firearms products, fixtures and equipment from concept to production. This includes R&D, design, testing, troubleshooting, improvements, procedure development and documentation.

Qualification requirements include but are not limited to the following:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

6+ years of experience designing firearms and product development.

CAD experience in two-dimensional drafting and three-dimensional solid design. Extensive experience with SolidWorks CAD software. A high level of proficiency is required.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter of introduction and up-to-date resume to Jalene John, jjohn@weatherby.com.

About Weatherby

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the distinctive WBY-X™ products as well as the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles (production and custom), Threat Response® shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. For more information, go to www.weatherby.com. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Weatherbyinc. Follow @weatherbyinc on Twitter.

Middletown, CT --(Ammoland.com)- With great pleasure Arsenal Firearms can finally and officially announce that our brand new product – the AF2011 Dueller Prismatic – was selected some months ago to be one of the key weapons featured in the new James Bond movie “Spectre“, due to be released globally in November this year, 2015.

Arsenal Firearms Official Supplier of the New OO7 Movie ‘SPECTRE’

Arsenal Firearms supplied 5 stainless pistols to the James Bond production team in fall last year, to take part in various contemporary locations shootings.

The guns, originally fully functioning and chambered in .45 ACP, have been modified to shoot special movie-blank rounds.

The technical challenge was quite demanding, as for the first time the movie industry specific adaptation team had to assess the functionality with a double barrel semiautomatic pistol.

This high profile movie participation of the exclusive double barrel pistol will set a whole new standard for Hollywood and global movie making, when action-packed scenes are required, unique effects and breath-taking, never seen operations are to be expected.

More pictures and a short clip of the making of Spectre can be see at the official James Bond website by clicking the link below:

Finally, a fun, tough .380 carbine that almost anyone can afford! The Hi-Point Carbine is the same size as its larger-bore brothers in 9mm, .40S&W, and .45 ACP and it’s hard shooting, accurate and almost recoil-free.

Its 16.5-inch barrel will launch .380 bullets as hard and fast as a full-power 9mm handgun, maybe even harder (when you add several inches of barrel over that of a handgun, you gain 100-150 feet per second higher velocity and possibly more with hot or +P loads). With the added velocity performance the .380’s effective range (the distance a shooter can expect to get reliable on-target hits) is extended to a couple hundred yards.

For owners of Hi-Point .380 caliber pistols, this is a true made-in-heaven deal; both guns use the same ten-round magazines! Don’t have a Hi-Point .380? Buy both the carbine and the pistol for less than half the price of one too-pretty-to-use semi-auto pistol.

The Hi-Point .380 Carbine is not a fancy $1,200+ foreign carbine, but it is more robust than those pretty guns and will launch equivalent-power bullets at the same velocity — (gosh all gee willikers “amazing!”).

The Hi-Point .380 Carbine is a tough gun so owners don’t have to protect it to keep it beautiful because beautiful it ain’t, but reliable, tough and useable anywhere, it is.

At its low suggested retail price of $297.00, buyers will have plenty of money left over to buy a bunch of ammo.

For owners of Hi-Point .380 caliber pistols, this is a true made-in-heaven deal; both guns use the same ten-round magazines! Don’t have a Hi-Point .380? Buy both the carbine and the pistol for less than half the price of one too-pretty-to-use semi-auto pistol.
]]>http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/380-acp-hi-point-carbine/feed/8GunPalace.Com Online Shooting Sports Marketplace Now Availablehttp://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/gunpalace-com-online-shooting-sports-marketplace-now-available/
http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/gunpalace-com-online-shooting-sports-marketplace-now-available/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 14:04:56 +0000http://www.ammoland.com/?p=196215USA (Ammoland.Com) – A new online shooting sports marketplace is now available at GunPalace.Com – the place to buy and sell guns, ammo and more that is fast, easy and without the typical final sales fees found on similar sites. Visit GunPalace.Com today to see just how easy and inexpensive it is to buy and sell handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammo, rare/collectible items and much more.

“The online marketplace to buy and sell shooting sports products is a fast growing area and we are filling a need for an inexpensive and easy to use tool for firearms enthusiasts to buy and sell goods from the comfort of their computer or mobile device,” said Scott Patey of GunPalace.Com. “It’s simple, our site does not asses a fee when an item sells. That keeps selling expenses low for sellers and prices affordable for buyers. If you are a gun loving American, you are welcome on our site.”

Auction categories for sellers include: all variety of guns – including rare and collectibles, ammo, optics, safes, ATVs and motorsports, knives and military items, hunting needs, camping items and all gun parts maintenance and accessories. It is easy to register to begin listing items for auction, and GunPalace.Com doesn’t eat away your profits, as they have zero final sales fees.

GunPalace.Com is the place to buy and sell guns, ammo and more fast, easy and without additional final sales fees. Visit GunPalace.Com today to see the variety of handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammo and rare and collectible items are available. http://GunPalace.Com

Strasburg, OH - -(Ammoland.com)- I am constantly amazed at the number of people I meet that think they can fix the problem of self-defense by purchasing the ideal handgun.

For much of the CCW crowd, this is defined as the small .380 that they can carry in their pocket with ease.

To others, the choice may be a custom 1911 or Glock 17. Few people really consider the ‘reality‘ of what happens in 90% of self-defense scenarios. Shootings and gunfights involving handguns take place at close range….police, military, & private sector all share these facts. Some folks will tell you that pistol marksmanship skills should include 25 and even 50 yard precision abilities.

While being able to shoot well at long range is nice, and a desirable skill, it really has little to do with reality. People that try to sell you on the importance of this are simply way off course of needs vs. wants. The ability to make a head shot at 5 yards in 2.5 seconds is far more critical than the ability to hit a torso at 50 yards in 4.0 sec.

Let’s be real here about all those folks that carry these little .22, .25, .32 & 380 pocket guns: they are perfect self-defense guns as long as they never need them!

Luckily, most people that carry guns will probably never need to use them, thus a little blaster will work just fine. I get it, any gun is better than a sharp stick, but, if you ever need to defend yourself or your family, you want a gun that you can shoot accurately and effectively under stress.

I am often asked about calibers of choice. When I first got into this business back in the 1970s the gun of choice was either a .357 Mag revolver or .45acp 1911. Typically the 45 1911 was popular in the holsters of the ‘gun guys’, most of whom could shoot far better than the average gunner. Today, I note a high percentage of those who pack a .45 acp caliber handguns have the attitude that while they know they are poor shots or not highly skilled with a sidearm, the .45acp round will solve the problem even if they can only achieve peripheral hits. Kind of the mindset that a 45 hit in the little finger will make the targets head explode.

Guess what, it does not work that way. One is always better off with a weapon you can use with skill, caliber is secondary to shot placement.

It is my belief that a .45 round is about 10% better than a 9X19mm.

After all these years, it is my belief that a .45 round is about 10% better than a 9X19mm…..ball round vs ball round or JHP vs JHP. Ten percent isn’t much unless your life is at stake–then it is a whole lot. On the other hand, if you told me that I have to carry a 9X19mm pistol, I’m not going to throw a hissy fit. A nine will work just fine if you can place the round where it needs to be. It is not the number of shots fired, or the splits between the shots fired that matters (anytime I hear some talk about ‘splits’, I push the delete button on them……splits don’t mean shit in the real world). While all of us would choose a gun that holds more bullets, how often does round capacity really matter in the real world? If you miss a lot, then high capacity handguns are a great choice. Remember, shootings and gunfights are generally won by those that hit their targets with accurate shots.

Like many of the M4Carbine.net fans, I enjoy testing and trying new handguns and gear. There are huge numbers of excellent sidearms on the market to choose from. Every year we see more and more entries. What matters is that you pick one that works for you and you can use well. For most of us that means a handgun that you can afford to practice and maintain your skill with. For most, based upon much of what I have seen over the past few decades, I recommend guns like the Glock 17 and Glock 19. I have both, but if I could have only one it would be the G-19. For the money it is a slam dunk choice. I love 1911 pistols, carry one daily and have total faith in my 1911s. I’m constantly asked to recommend a ‘good 1911′. I typically reply, “buy a Wilson Combat“. This usually gets a response of something like: Wilson Combat 1911’s are really expensive. Yep. If you can’t afford one, maybe you should select another pistol design. Quality of the 1911 pistol in the main stream market varies widely.

Wilson Combat Custom Supergrade 1911

Currently I see excellent results with Springfield Armory 1911 pistols. The Colt 1911 pistols made today are some of the best 1911s Colt has ever made. Maybe not up to prewar standards, but compared to the guns made from 1980 and on, the current guns are excellent. I have three different Colts made over the last few years and they are outstanding guns right out of the box. I have been shooting an H&K VP9 since last Summer and I consider it one of the best 9X19mm pistols on the market. I have a couple of 9X19mm S&W MPs that have been tweaked and work well.

While many people like to “MF” the Beretta M9/92, I think they are great pistols, overly large for most CCW purposes, but extremely reliable and soft shooting. I find them to be very accurate out of the box and great for belt holster carry. I am not a big fan of the .40S&W. Carried one as a duty sidearm, have a few, but the caliber just never ‘rang‘ for me.

What I can tell you about sidearm choice and recommendation is very simple. Whatever gun you choose, practice with it doing drills that reflect ‘real world’ requirements. Never accept mediocre skill, get it right, and never leave the range saying ‘I suck’.

M4Carbine.Net

If you do, you have already planned the outcome of the fight when that moment comes. And no matter what…..be aware of your environment. Don’t be the one surprised.